“He is homosexual. He looks at me the way you look at Mishima-sensei.”
I’d bet my gaijin card that that hateful busybody is behind this. She’s probably pissed off over our confrontation and wants to show me who’s boss.
“But do you see him the same way?”
My mouth parts. The question is so preposterous it takes me a moment to process. “Like I said, he’s my best friend, and he is not at all interested in women that way. How could I possibly see him as a…romantic partner?”
“Men and women cannot be friends.”
“Of course they can.”
“Even if that is the case, there is the matter of appearance. Teachers are the moral pillars of society. A young unmarried female teacher cannot cohabit with a young unmarried man who is not related to her.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to
ask if it’s acceptable if the man in question is a young married male adult who isn’t related to her, but I swallow my sarcastic comment. That would be pouring gas on the fire.
“This isn’t Edo-jidai, Kouchou-sensei,” I remind her, referring to the medieval Tokugawa Era when the shoguns ruled the country.
She gives me a bland look. “Very fortunate for you. Foreigners were not allowed in Osaka during that period.” She lays her hands on the desk, her spider-leg fingers linking loosely. “Regardless, your female students may look at your behavior and assume that it is acceptable to cohabit in such amoral manner. And your male students may feel that it is natural for them to expect women to cohabit with them. This will not do. I cannot allow it.”
“What are you saying?” Is she going to try to put me into some kind of dorm or some—
“I’m afraid I will have to terminate your employment.”
My mouth parts, and it takes two attempts before I can gasp, “What?”
“Your contract has a clause that specifically prohibits you from behaving immorally, which you have done.” She pauses meaningfully. “Twice.”
I feel heat traveling from my chest to my face. Goddamn it. I cannot believe how narrow-minded Kouchou-sensei is being. Mishima-sensei probably egged her on to get me fired. I clench my trembling hands into fists and stiffen my body. I will not show weakness.
“You’re going to say I’m guilty without a hearing? Giving me a fair chance to defend myself?” I ask.
She looks at me like I’m slightly slow. “I gave you a chance, and you admitted to everything. I don’t know what more you expect. I have been more than fair.”
Shit. This is it. I’m not Japanese, I’m not a permanent employee, and I don’t get the consideration that a unionized teacher here might get. The situation galls me.
“We have a substitute teacher to replace you today. I do not expect you to teach.” Kouchou-sensei puts a subtle emphasis on “expect,” making it clear she will not allow me to have any further contact with the students. “Now. Very sorry to have to say this, but it is required that you will leave.”
“Fine,” I say, shaken by how coolly and swiftly I’ve been dismissed.
It’s going to be okay, I tell myself. I still have the job offer in Chiang Mai. I’ll just go there. The pay’s comparable to my current school, and given the low cost of living in Thailand, the money will stretch much further.
I go back to the teachers’ office to grab my bag and the few personal items I have in my desk. Sato-sensei looks at me with concern, but the other teachers avoid meeting my eyes. Heads down, don’t make waves. The Japanese way.
As I start walking toward the subway stop, I pull out my phone. These aren’t the circumstances under which I would’ve liked to take the new job, but I do my best to look at the bright side. Bennie’s considering going back to the States, and what would I have done by myself in Japan anyway?
Mr. Liu likes me, and so does his son. I should be all right in Chiang Mai.
I open my email app. A new message from the school in Thailand regarding the offer is waiting for me in my inbox. I tap on the subject line—Re: Your Offer.
Dear Ms. Huss,
We regret to inform you that we are rescinding our offer, as new information has come to light about you. Thailand is a traditional nation that values moral conduct, and it seems you may not be a good fit at our school.
To clarify, our decision on this matter is final.
Sincerely,